Langley does not automatically include checkbooks with most checking accounts

Langley Federal Credit Union does not send a checkbook with your account when you open it. You have to order checks separately, either through Langley directly or through a third-party check printer. The account itself comes with a debit card and online access, but physical checks are an add-on you request.

This is standard practice across most banks and credit unions now. Fewer people write checks than they used to, so institutions stopped including them automatically. If you need checks, you can order them within days of opening your account—you do not have to wait for anything else to be set up first.

The good news is that ordering is straightforward, costs are low or free depending on your choices, and you have multiple ways to get checks if you need them urgently. You also do not have to wait for printed checks to arrive before you start using your account for payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Langley checking accounts do not come with a checkbook; you must order checks as a separate step after opening your account.
  • You can order checks through Langley directly or use a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than ordering from the credit union.
  • Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days when ordered through Langley, and faster through some third-party printers.
  • Your account routing number and account number are ready to use when ready, so you can write checks by hand or request counter checks before your printed checks arrive.
  • Basic check designs through Langley are free; premium designs cost $5 to $15 per box, and there is no monthly fee for having or using checks.

How to order checks through Langley

Log into your Langley online banking portal and look for an "Order Checks" or "Check Services" option, usually under account settings or services. You will need to confirm your mailing address and choose your check style—Langley offers basic designs at no charge and premium designs for a small fee. Standard orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to order by phone, call Langley's member services line and ask to order checks. Have your account number ready. They will walk you through style options and confirm your address before processing the order. This route takes the same amount of time as ordering online.

You can order checks when ready after your account opens. There is no waiting period, and you do not need to have made any deposits or transactions first. The sooner you order, the sooner they arrive.

Third-party check printers are often cheaper

Companies like Deluxe, Costco (if you have a membership), and Walmart offer checks printed with your Langley account information at lower prices than ordering directly from the credit union. A box of 200 checks through a third-party printer typically costs $15 to $25, while Langley's premium options can run higher. Basic Langley checks are free, but if you want a specific design, third-party printers may still be less expensive.

To use a third-party printer, you need your routing number (Langley's is 256074974) and your account number. Both appear on your debit card or in your online banking portal under account details. The printer will format the checks correctly for your Langley account. Delivery is often faster—some third-party printers ship within 3 to 5 business days, and you may be able to pick up orders in store if you use Costco or Walmart.

The trade-off is that third-party printers offer more design choices, but you lose the convenience of ordering directly from your credit union. Either way, the checks work identically once they arrive.

What to do if you need to write a check before yours arrive

You can write a check using your account number and routing number even if your printed checks have not arrived yet. Write the information by hand on a blank check, or ask the person or business you are paying to accept a counter check—a temporary check you can request from Langley at any branch or through customer service.

Counter checks are free and arrive when ready if you request them by phone, or you can pick them up in person at a Langley branch. They work exactly like regular checks and clear through the same system. This is useful if you need to pay someone before your ordered checks show up, or if you are waiting for a third-party order to arrive.

Some people also use their routing and account numbers to set up bill pay through Langley's online banking instead of writing physical checks. This avoids the wait entirely if the payee accepts electronic payments.

Fees and ongoing costs

Langley does not charge a fee to order checks through their system for basic designs. Premium check designs (with images or special layouts) cost extra—typically $5 to $15 per box depending on the design. Reorders follow the same process and pricing.

There is no monthly fee for having checks or using them. You pay only when you order them. If you rarely write checks, you might order one box every year or two and pay nothing in between. If you use a third-party printer, you pay their price at the time of order, which is usually a one-time cost per box.

Some checking accounts at other institutions charge monthly fees or require minimum balances, but Langley's check ordering is straightforward: you order, you pay for the checks themselves, and that is it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start using my Langley account before my checks arrive?

Yes. Your debit card and online banking are active when ready. For checks, you can use counter checks or write checks by hand with your routing and account numbers. Your printed checks will arrive within 7 to 10 business days if ordered through Langley, or faster through a third-party printer.

What is Langley's routing number?

Langley Federal Credit Union's routing number is 256074974. You need this when ordering checks from a third-party printer or when setting up direct deposit or bill pay through your account.

Are third-party checks treated differently than checks ordered from Langley?

No. A check is a check—it clears the same way regardless of where it was printed, as long as it has your correct routing number and account number. Banks and businesses accept them identically.

Can I order checks online, or do I have to call?

You can order through Langley's online banking portal if that option is available in your account settings. If you do not see it, call member services. Both routes take the same amount of time to process.

What if I need checks urgently?

Request counter checks by phone or in person—they are free and available when ready. If you can wait a few days, a third-party printer often ships faster than Langley's standard 7 to 10 business days.